Recently, women from all over the Western Cape gathered to celebrate their uniqueness at the Kroes Rock masterclass held at the SABC Auditorium in Sea Point.
The event has been running for three years and advocates for the beauty of flaunting your natural hair with a key emphasis on the idea that one should not be ashamed of what makes you different.
With the media partner being radio broadcaster GoodHope FM, women from as far as Knysna, George and Atlantis were all in attendance. Taking over the duties as Master of Ceremonies was none other than the founder of the event, Simone Thomas who welcomed several expert guests, Elma Titus, Kieran Wilkins, Nigel Bennet and Cleopatra van Ster, who provided valuable insights into a range of topics, from safe and effective care techniques, the danger of using products that contain harmful ingredients as well as styling techniques using a range of products scalp friendly.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the initiative, Simone shared that it all started with her own natural hair journey and the experience that comes along with it.
“Kroes is actually an old Afrikaans word that was actually used in a derogatory and negative association towards coloured and black women’s hair. I wanted us as this demographic, as coloured and black women, to change the psyche of how we feel and engage with our hair,” Simone explains.
She says that her goal was to turn the word kroes into a something positive, that people can own and be proud of.
“Growing up, you didn’t want people to call your hair kroes, or kroes kop (frizzy head). That’s why I added the term ‘Rocks’ because the natural hair that comes out of my skin and the way that God created me, that is what rocks. That’s the core essence thereof, and we want to change the narrative of our natural hair.”
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With the event having existed for at least three years now, she explains that the biggest highlight of hosting the master class is the feedback she receives from attendees long after the show.
“I am inspired when I now hear about the stories that women share about how their relationship with their hair has changed. Now they are teaching and helping other women in their circles to embrace their natural hair.”
When asked what she would want her legacy to be when it comes to the haircare industry, Simone explained that it is to see younger girls fully embrace their natural hair and be proud of it.
Also see: Is it advisable to candle cut your hair? | Bona Magazine
